“I expect one of the prices we pay for democracy is there are going to be differences. We pay a price but we get something very important in return.”
-Robert F. Kennedy
The late United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy was known not only as President John F. Kennedy’s younger brother but mostly known for his advocacy for the civil rights movement, the fight against organized crime and the Mafia, and his involvement in U.S. foreign policy related to Cuba. It is the civil rights movement portion for today’s topic of focus. Kennedy’s quote serves a reminder that the sacrifices that we pay for our democracy when differences arise pale in comparison to what we will undoubtedly receive in return because of these sacrifices. In Abraham Lincoln’s Gettyburg’s Address in 1863 he honored the fallen soldiers that sacrificed their lives shall not have lived in vain “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” I believe the same holds true to what Kennedy said about 100 years later and that return that he mentions is what our government should always abide by in doing things of the people, by the people and for the people.
It is because of our differences that makes this nation so great, the land of the free and the home of the brave. It should forever be celebrated for our differences, not ridiculed. Our differences, whether it be physically or intellectually is a small price to pay for our bright future which will be our greatest return.
What does this quote mean to you and how can you apply today’s message towards becoming more socially aware?
Becoming The Change 